Gerson Santo credits Colton Iverson for his 10-point effort in win over Fresno State

Dorian Green likely out for Friday's game against UNLV

By Sean Star Sports Writer

Posted:
03/13/2013 09:18:18 PM MDT

Colorado State's Colton Iverson dunks during the second half of a Mountain West Conference tournament NCAA college basketball game against Fresno State on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, in Las Vegas. Colorado State defeated Fresno State 67-61. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
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Isaac Brekken
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LAS VEGAS -- Colton Iverson -- Colorado State's usually dominant 6-foot-10 center -- had statistically his worst game nearly a month Wednesday in the Rams' 67-61 Mountain West quarterfinal tournament victory over Fresno State. But that doesn't mean Iverson's imprint on the contest was missing.

After coming off the bench to give the Rams a big lift with 10 points and two rebounds, junior forward Gerson Santo credited Iverson for his breakout performance.

"Playing with Colton, I've been getting better every day," said Santo, whose 10 points were just his second double-digit scoring effort of the season, and the first against a Division I opponent. "At this time of the season I feel like I'm so much better than when I got on the team."

CSU coach Larry Eustachy also made note of Iverson's impact on Santo, a transfer form the College of Southern Idaho.

"When you think about Gerson, is he better off at a lower-level program and being a 35-minute starter or is he better playing against Colton Iverson every day? I think the answer is simple," Eustachy said. "He's playing against an NBA player everyday."

Santo, who has been used sparingly for most of the season, said he's never sure how much playing time he's going to get each game. So to get some significant playing time in a meaningful game was a nice reward for all the hard work in practice.

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"All I want to do is get in the game and help my teammates, because we're a family and we work hard every day," the native of Valencia, Brazil said. "We didn't feel like going home yet, so all I want to do is get in the game and help my team."

Foul trouble by Iverson opened up the opportunity for somebody to step up. And though Santo's not quite the force Iverson is, Wes Eikmeier said Santo did a fine job filling in.

"I told Coach we didn't lose a whole lot when Colton stepped off the floor, which is a mighty comment for Gerson," Eikmeier said with a laugh. "Really, he played great. He was grabbing loose balls, taking charges."

Green still a question mark -- CSU point guard Dorian Green's consecutive games started streak ended Wednesday because of the sprained ankle he suffered in Saturday's season finale. Green said its still too early to tell if he'll be able to play Friday.

"It's going to be day-to-day. I made strides from (Tuesday) to today. I'm a lot better than I was two days ago from when we first got out here, so we'll see," said Green, who had never before missed a game because of injury in his life. "I'm hoping to be back Friday, and if I can go I'll go. I'm not going to be at 100 percent.

"I know I'm not going to hurt it again. I just need to tolerate a little bit more pain and be able to put a little bit more weight on it."

Eustachy said that if he had to guess, he thinks Green will have to sit out again.

"This tournament is extremely important, but obviously the NCAA Tournament is what we've worked for all year," the coach said. "If there's any doubt at all, he won't play."Sean Star can be reached at 669-5050, ext. 512, sstar@reporter-herald.com or on Twitter @seanvstar